Fire at Kalamazoo senior high-rise kills 1, others displaced

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — One person has died and several residents are displaced after an early morning fire Saturday at the Crosstown Parkway Apartments, 550 W. Crosstown Pkwy.

Residents say they woke up to large flames and heavy smoke between 3 and 3:30 a.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival, crews say the found a female resident on the 7th floor balcony because heavy smoke and fire conditions forced her outside the apartment.

That victim, who is only being described as a woman in her mid-70s, was rescued by firefighters and taken to Bronson Hospital where she later died.

Creed Stegall, who lives on the ninth floor on the opposite side of the building where the fire started, says he quickly got dressed and started knocking on peoples doors to get them out of the building.

There is still no word on how the fire started.

Buses from the Kalamazoo Metro Transit were called in to help transport residents to the YMCA, 1001 W. Maple.

That is where the Red Cross, YMCA personnel, and LIFE Ambulance says they will be attending to the medical and personal needs of displaced residents.

The YMCA will also provide information and directions for those seeking out their family and friends by calling (269) 345-9622 extension 111.

Public Safety is requesting anyone with information about this incident to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994, or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or http://www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.